Lower Columbia Community Action Program and the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner will host a free Medicare informational forum at 2 p.m. Thursday at the CAP building, 1526 Commerce Ave.
Every day, around 10,000 people nationwide turn 65, qualifying for Medicare enrollment. Around 15 percent of Cowlitz County’s population is eligible for Medicare, and that number is expected to increase to 25 percent by 2030. Wahkiakum County’s Medicare population will increase by 42 percent.
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors will present an overview of Medicare for those who are turning 65 within the year and private coverage options for people already on Medicare.
Advisors also will answer questions about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and how it will affect Medicare with open enrollment for uninsured residents starting in October.
Lower Columbia CAP trains its volunteer advisors in an initial 30-hour training program and quarterly meetings for changes in Medicare. The benefit advisor program serves Cowlitz, Lewis and Wahkiakum counties.
To volunteer as an insurance benefits advisor, contact CAP Volunteer Center/RSVP Program Manager Sarah Clark at 360-425-3430, extension 288, or sarahc@lowercolumbiacap.org.
